Whether you were charged following a random breath test or following an
accident, a Drink Driving charge is a very serious offence.
In New South Wales, licence holders can be charged under any of the
following Drink Driving Offences dependent on the type of licence that you
hold and your Prescribed Level of Alcohol (PCA).
They are:
- Low range PCA:
Blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to less than 0.08; - Novice range PCA:
Blood alcohol concentration more than zero for learner, P1 or P2 drivers; - Special Range PCA:
Blood alcohol concentration over 0.02 for special category drivers; - Mid range PCA:
Blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 to less than 0.15; - High Range PCA:
Blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or above.
Different penalties ranging in severity may apply. These penalties also
depend on whether this was your first offence or if this a repeat offence.
For repeat or serious drink driving convictions, a mandatory alcohol
interlock order may also be imposed against you. Such an order requires
that your motor vehicle be fitted with an electronic breath testing device.
It connects to the ignition and stops the vehicle from starting if alcohol is
detected in your breath. Further, some serious offences carry with them
the potential for prison time.
In any event, the actual penalty imposed by the Court will be recorded on
your driving record history. This will allow for greater penalties against
you should you be charged with another driving or other offence at a
future date.
This is why it is critical that you contact Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors
immediately. Your instructions as to the circumstances surrounding the
charge shall be clearly obtained. You will be held by the hand until the end
of your matter with the intention of obtaining the most favourable result
that can be obtained given your circumstances. A worthwhile investment
into your future.
As motor vehicle drivers, there are a number of road rules that we must
strictly adhere to.
Unfortunately however, there may be times where for whatever reason, an
offence is committed (a rule is broken) and a charge is laid. Penalties are
imposed. Charges and penalties vary depending on the offence committed.
Common offences include:
- Drink Driving
- Driving Negligent (whether harm is caused or not)
- Speeding (whether harm is caused or not ….. or in a school zone)
- Driving whilst cancelled, unlicensed, suspended or disqualified
- Refusing to provide a breath test/sample of blood/sample of urine
- Disobeying ‘No Stopping’, ‘No Standing’ or ‘Bus Zone’ signage
Regardless of the offence or circumstances surrounding the offence, it is
always prudent to have good legal representation.
Often the driver may dispute that such an offence has been committed.
A full Court hearing may then be necessary. If you have been charged
with a traffic offence, contact Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors immediately.
Your version of events shall be obtained and the relevant legislation will
be considered. You will receive sound legal advice. Your rights shall be
fully explained. If appropriate, your innocence shall be vigorously argued
through legal proceedings. If you agree with the charge, work shall be
undertaken to minimize the severity of the penalty dependent on your
circumstances.
Contact Bob Zelden today.
Persons charged with drug related offences must not take matters lightly.
These are very serious charges.
Such drug related offences include:-
- Supply
- Possession
- Manufacturing
- Importation
- Cultivation of Prohibited Drugs or Restricted Substances.
- Drug Driving
If you are found guilty of a drug related offence (or plead ‘guilty’ to such an
offence), then the Court will impose penalties upon you in most
circumstances. Penalties are often dependent on the offence under which a
person is charged and the weight of the drugs seized. Prison time is often a real option when the Court considers an appropriate penalty.
If you plead ‘not guilty’ to a drug related offence, the police must then prove
beyond reasonable doubt that you did commit the offence. A full hearing
then takes place. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the court outcome
and/or severity of the penalties given your circumstances, you may have
certain rights of appeal.
Regardless of the Drug charge, it is critical to obtain proper legal advice as
to your rights. Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors will take proper and thorough instructions from you as to the circumstances surrounding your being charged with a drug related offence.
Depending on such circumstances, sound advice will be provided as to
your rights and obligations allowing you to make clear choices as to how
your matter is to run.
Contact Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors immediately.
You will achieve peace of mind knowing that your rights and interests are well taken care of.
A charge of assault is an incredibly serious charge and should not be
taken lightly. Whether you intend to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ to the charge, sound legal advice is imperative.
In New South Wales, the legislation provides for different categories of assault, each with their own penalty structures. Some such penalties include significant prison time.
The most common categories of assault include:
- Common Assault
This is an assault on a person not occasioning bodily harm. This
may include pushing, pinching or spitting with no bodily harm
actually being caused. A simple threat may also constitute
common assault. - Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm
As the heading suggests, this charge relates to an assault where
actual physical harm is occasioned. Injuries do not have to be
serious in nature. Scratches and bruises are enough. Mental injury
may also form the basis of this charge. - Reckless Grievous Bodily Harm
This is where the persons sustain injury as a result of an assault,
with such injury being disfiguring or permanent. However, such
injury does not in itself have to be life threatening or have long
term effects. - Intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm
This is even more serious that Reckless Grievous Bodily Harm,
with penalties up to 25 years imprisonment.
Intent is a major factor. - Assault or Resist Police
Anyone resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer is committing
of this offence. Due to the nature of this charge, the Court does
not take this offence lightly.
If you have been charged with assault, whether you intend to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, contact Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors immediately.
The charge shall be explained to you in detail and the circumstances surrounding the charge shall be investigated. An assessment shall be undertaken and sound legal advice shall be provided. If pleading ‘guilty’, an appropriate plea to the Court shall be undertaken. If pleading not guilty, the matter will be vigorously defended on your behalf.
Contact us today to preserve your rights.
Whatever the charge, Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors is here to assist
you in getting through this traumatic time.
Apart from those charges specifically mentioned under separate categories, others include but are not limited to:
- An offence committed on public transport
- A charge relating to an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
- A charge relating to larceny (stealing)
Whether you intend to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ to the charge, between the time that the alleged offence is committed and the hearing date, bail may or may not be granted. If bail is granted, you will have to abide by certain conditions. Otherwise, bail may be withdrawn and you will have to wait for your hearing date in prison.
Such conditions include but are not limited to:
- Reporting to police on a regular basis
- Not contacting any witnesses or alleged victim/s
- Surrendering your passport
- Adhering to strict curfews
- Agreeing to provide to the court a bond for a sum determined by
the Court
Often, rather than being charged, police may have an interest in you due to your being a potential witness to a crime.
Regardless of the situation that you have been placed in, it is essential to know your rights. For peace of mind, contact Bob Zelden of Zelden Solicitors today. You and your family will feel a sense of relief in the knowledge that your rights are preserved with the best possible result
being obtained.